Krabi is one of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand, with stunning coastal vistas featuring towering limestone cliffs, soft white sandy beaches, small coves and offshore islands. Its coral reef vistas are also among the world's most beautiful, which makes the city a great spot for coral diving.
Krabi is 814 kilometers south of Bangkok and covers an area of 4,708 square kilometers. The area includes mountains, highlands and plains, includes more than 130 large and small islands, and abounds with mangrove forests.
The best time to visit is between November and February, when the climate is drier and slightly cooler (29°C). The hottest period is April to May (33°C), while May to October tends to have higher rainfall.
Beach | Klong Muang | Koh Lanta | Ao Nang | Railay | Koh Phi Phi |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Location | North of Ao Nang | 70 km from Krabi airport | 25 km from Krabi airport | Small peninsula between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang | An island group in Thailand, between the island of Phuket and the west Strait of Malacca |
Known for | Quiet, luxurious travel | Water-sports and culture | Beautiful beach and perfect spot for scuba diving | Crystal-clear waters, stunning views | Scenery, clear water, water-sports |
Popular with | A variety of travelers | All travelers | Western, Asian and European travelers | Travelers and also locals | International travelers |
Get there by | Private car or cab | Speedboat, minivan or ferry | Taxi or shared minivan | Ferry, private boat | Boat |
Crowd levels | Least crowded | Crowded during peak season | Not too crowded | Moderately crowded | Crowded with tourists and locals |
Visiting times | Year-round | October to April | October to April | October to April | October to April |
Klong Muang
Klong Muang is a pretty beach area north of Ao Nang, with spectacular views over the Andaman Sea. It has closest coastal access to the Ko Hong island group, a protected marine park of astonishing beauty.
Families and Honeymoons
Klong Muang beach is the perfect location for people who want a quiet, luxury break or an escape from the usual holiday crowds. As all the hotels are located on the shore, with only indirect public access, the beaches are effectively private, for the use only of the resorts' clients.
Activities
A popular activity is diving into the crystal-clear water. Paddle-boarding, snorkeling, learning muay thai or relaxing by the shore are all recommended. One other attraction in the area is the National Park, at the end of Tubkaek Beach.
Travel Essentials
Potential visitors to Klong Muang should also be aware that there is also a large gypsum quarry located between this beach and Tupkaek which attracts large boats and trucks used to transport the white powder. It is, however, only an eyesore, not anything more bothersome, and is unlikely to spoil your holiday here.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is one of Thailand's most beautiful islands, located just off the coast of Krabi. Its long coastline has nearly a dozen beaches, some considered the finest in the country, and each with its own charm and atmosphere.
Family- Friendly
Koh Lanta beaches are very relaxing. Building sand-castles, playing football and volleyball with the kids is great, with easy access to restaurants, and shops for parents pushing strollers or walking small children. There's a wide choice of accommodation too.
Activities
Head to the National Park in the South of Koh Lanta. This stunning location has wonderful rainforest, wild monkeys roaming around and a nice beach for playing in shallow waters. The view from the beach is breathtaking.
The National Park has a lighthouse, which you will see featured on many Koh Lanta postcards. Visit Lanta Old town, until 50 years ago a business center on the island. Yoga and snorkeling are also recommended.
Travel Essentials
Koh Lanta lacks an airport. Between November and April, however, two boats connect the island daily with the mainland at Krabi. Daily ferries also run between Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Ao Nang. During the low season you can still access the island via minivan and two car ferry hops.
Ao Nang
Ao Nang Beach has a beautiful view of nearby islands and moored long-tail boats along the coastline. For those who want to sunbathe, there are shops and restaurants nearby downtown, conveniently accessible throughout the day.
Ao Nang offers the relaxed atmosphere of a small town, the beauty of a beach resort, the modern comforts of home, and the friendliness that sets Thailand apart.
Family-friendly
Although touristy, this town is still relatively small, clean, and has a good choice of things to do beyond getting some sun. The main town runs about half a kilometer along Ao Nang Beach. Ao Nang's downtown area is full of lively beach shops, restaurants, and travel agencies.
Activities
In addition to enjoying the beach, you can go bamboo rafting or fishing. This may be an exciting way of seeing Krabi's lush interior with its hot springs, caves and waterfalls. For the adrenaline junkie, watching muay thai fights and ziplining are also possible.
Travel Essentials
The best time to visit this small tourist-friendly beach town is in October, just before the high season. During this time the beaches and islands aren't overly crowded, it's not too hot, and the clear blue skies are filled with puffy clouds.
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Railay Beach
Railay Beach is, in fact, a small peninsula which includes four beaches. In just one small peninsula you can find gorgeous white sandy beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides. All within walking distance.
Family
The Railay peninsula is surrounded by the warm Andaman Sea, lush jungle, and twisted rock. It is a wonderful place to relax, with excellent sand and many places for renting a kayak to get around. This area is the perfect spot for rock climbing or for just lying down and relaxing.
Activities
Rock climbing, sea kayaking, diving, snorkeling, jungle trekking, cooking, elephant trekking, white water rafting and quad biking or lazing on the beach; you can do it all here.
Travel Essentials
The remoteness of Railay Peninsula, and of the four beaches it hosts, is certainly a big part of its appeal. Getting there is something of a soft adventure as the peninsula can only be reached by boat.
The closest ports for connecting to Railay are Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara and Ao Nam Mao, although you can also get there from Krabi Town.
Koh Phi Phi
The Koh Phi Phi islands feature beaches and clear water that have had their natural beauty protected by national park status. There are limestone mountains with cliffs, caves, and long white sandy beaches. The islands are touted to be one of the most beautiful yet easily accessible island groups in the world.
Families and Honeymoons
The Phi Phi Islands archipelago is among the best places to visit in Thailand for honeymoon but also for family. You can rent a private boat for a more romantic ride or a friendly public boat for the family. Calm waters and warm sea temperatures in the region facilitate snorkeling and scuba diving.
Activities
Since the water is crystal-clear, you get to behold the vibrant marine life up close. It is easy to obtain snorkeling and scuba diving gear. Cliff jumping and rock climbing are also options, though scuba diving and snorkeling are the most popular.
Travel Essentials
Long-tail boats are readily available for hire from Ton Sai Bay pier and are a great way to explore the calm, coral-filled bays and inlets that are great for swimming and snorkeling. There are no cars on the island and just a few motorcycles. Everything is transported by foot, in a wheelbarrow or by boat.
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